1. They’re going to use it anyway! Whether in their head or out loud, they will be using their L1, so don’t tell them they can’t and make it a moral problem for them!

2. Language is inherent in who we are. Don’t try to tell them that who they are doesn’t fit in your classroom.

3. Communication should be the goal. This can be done by using L1 and L2 together. I’m not saying that there are not times to put parameters up in which L2 is the only allowed language for that activity. But, don’t underestimate the power of using their L1 to communicate in L2 – they can work together, give translations for each other, and practice more communication by talking together than by all being silent.